CURBPASS
Smart Loading Zones are meant to optimize curbside usage by automating payments and analyzing real-time usage. Curbpass website serves as a platform to introduce the smart parking system to drivers, helping them become acquainted with its features and easily locate nearby loading zones.
Our goal with Curbpass is to:
-> Construct a website for drivers to:
> Find SLZ locations
> Register account
> Check pricing and hours
> Overall information/ instruction
uIUX
design
Research
Team
Lilian Hao
Michael Kim
Abby Chen
Julia Liu
Tools
Figma, Adobe CC, Miro
Duration
Fall 2023
4 months
Context
User groups (drivers, pedestrians, business owners, government employees) generally did not understand how Smart Loading Zones worked and did not use them, even if some were aware of their presence.
Key Insights From Background Research
Smart loading zones have variable rates based on time intervals, unlike standard hourly rates in normal zones.
Despite expectations of reduced emissions and increased safety, there's no concrete data supporting these impacts.
Smart loading zones had significantly shorter parking durations and less traffic congestion compared to regular zones. However, some business owners expressed dissatisfaction with the smart loading zones, citing increased delivery costs and access issues for customers.
Data Analysis Report
Pittsburgh's Smart Loading Zones have improved efficiency and safety, increasing turnover by 40% and reducing stays by 23%, while cutting greenhouse emissions and double-parking. The system streamlines payments and registration, promising increased city revenue and better compliance.
Research
highlighted low awareness and engagement with SLZs due to comprehension barriers
—> Read the full research report
Heuristic Evaluation
We analyzing the pre-existing website + application as well as the physical signs around the city to identify and break down potential issues. Although the number of problems was relatively low, we found that the website is often confusing and lacks flexibility and user control, which could hinder the overall user experience."
Framing + Defining
From creating empathy maps, to walking the wall, and even coming up with the worst possible ideas, with the goal of enhancing the utilization of SLZs, we set our focus on improving communication with drivers and SLZ users. The challenge is to find effective ways to raise general awareness among these users about the correct usage of SLZs, including parking practices and the web app functionalities.
Affinity Clustering
Research indicated limited awareness and interest in Smart Loading Zones among key users, hindered by obstacles in comprehending government projects. Preferred information channels included personal networks, media, and social platforms, with a focus on local news. Future steps involve consolidating these findings, sharing them with stakeholders, and further research for solution development.
Prototyping
How Bone operates systematically
User Testing
Through our usability testing, we discovered that participants appreciated the engaging user interface and zone map of our prototype, but found its text-heavy layout and limited interactivity challenging. Our team aims to blend the original page's strengths with our prototype, improving areas of weakness.
By employing affinity diagramming and the UFT method, we have transformed our test data into actionable insights for the prototype's future development, prioritizing key solutions and thoroughly exploring necessary compromises.
High Fidelity
The dotted line and gradient illustrate the exact location of the painted purple curb. This visual representation aids in precisely identifying the specific side of the road where the zone is situated, ensuring users can easily determine its position.
